Sad feelings

Lately there has been an uproar in the circles of Christians. It seems that finally a people who might have been afraid to speak their mind have finally come out of the darkness and have had their minds known. A little while ago, something like the size of a man's hand came out of the sea and in a short time it has overtaken the world like a storm, at least the Christian world and its affiliates.

The gospel of Grace.

Up until the gospel of grace, Christianity was a precinct of people who had been born in it; it was pretty straightforward. Baptism, confirmation and then maybe if you were a Catholic, needed a rosary. It would seem that the knowledge of God was a reserve of the very spiritual, those who were fond of God. In fact if you were one of such, you might need to go to Theology school and get ready to live a life of holiness. You might lead a church, become a nun or a brother. Generally, there was a general knowledge of God and then a specific knowledge which those fond of God had the privilege of keeping.

It was okay. Everything was fine if you paid your allegiance; that is, went to church on Sunday, belonged to either Mothers'  or Fathers' Union or had a Christian name or something that showed you were respectful of God. Grace was unknown. Grace could have easily been the doctrine of demons at the time.

Then there was a movement that bred the "Bazukufu" (The Sober). These carved out for themselves a name. They were in this world but not of it. They would not touch it's things, engage in its things, have pleasure in any of its things. They were clearly distinct. They might have been a bit proud but in the area of holiness as judged by us, they were indeed spotless. One school can be noted for having such a nature, and it is a girls' only school. However, most of its adherents were at the time of the coming of grace aged. It has been long since I saw a Muzukufu, the last one I saw was a teacher of Literature when I was in High School.

Then the new fiery "Balokole" came along. At the start, they mostly preached hell and destruction and a great many of us got swept into that movement for fear of losing our souls. For a time, our lives were lived carefully, we might say something bad and be hit by a car having not repented and go straight to hell. Our lives were supposed to be exceptional. Shunning everything of the world and following Christ. For a time this worked out into public holiness and also public contempt for those who were not of us. The relationship between Balokole  and the world was one of a judge looking down offering a pardon if they met some demand. It was the same between older Balokole and younger ones. Not that this is true for all.

Then the small cloud.

They said we were forgiven. "2Co 5:19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. "
They said God was not angry. They said we could serve Him without fear. They told us we were free.

Brother, sister, you should have been there. There were so many reactions from those who heard it. Most of the clergy in the religious systems called it all sorts of names. It was a lie. It was mockery. Slowly it turned into cheap grace and then when there was an overwhelming appeal from it, it was embraced.

The sinner who loved to sin rejoiced! He said to himself, finally, no judgement, no price to pay, I can go and live as long as I am forgiven. This one was a bit worse off in my judgement than the earlier religious system where you needed to perhaps pay a tithe, go to church on Sunday or do something to appease God. This one had reins removed. Or that is what we thought.

There was the righteous brother who felt wronged. Who felt he had done a lot of things for the Lord and that how come he would share with his unworthy brother who has not earned it? He sounded like Jonah. He sounded like the brother to the prodigal son. He continued his work but for a long time had bitterness. However, who knows, God loved Him too enough to remind Him it was okay.

Then there was the brother bearing burdens who could not imagine this is what God thought of him! He finally saw no more reins. No more shackles. No more reason to be afraid. He could walk ahead with complete assurance that God was with Him. Emmanuel.

So much happened when the cloud came.

And now it has been raining a long time. And many are fed up of the rain. The cloud is getting its original fame. A doctrine of demons. A half preached heresy. An unnecessary deception. An invention of latter day sinners. Something we have not been taught by our Fathers.

I am saddened. For true freedom has come and while has opened the door has exposed our true hearts.

Luk 5:32  I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Mat 5:1  And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
Mat 5:2  And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Mat 5:3  Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 5:6  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mat 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Mat 5:9  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Mat 5:10  Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. 

I am saddened for when we heard of the cloud, we mistook it for something it is not. However, we shall not stay in this sadness, but shall rejoice that He who began the work, shall complete it.

Selah. And Hallelujah to the only God who makes us stand.